A local swimming academy has resorted to the costly endeavour of taking practise sessions to other facilities as council is yet to heed their call for assistance with the Strand municipal indoor pool’s heating function which remains impaired and hampers winter training.
Clinton le Seuer of Aqua Sharks Academy turned to the newspaper with the dilemma they are facing back in May (“Pool off-limits for winter training,” DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, Wednesday 25 May 2022).
He then shared their discontent with the decades old faulty heater pumps in dire need of repairs, which are “like putting a plaster on a broken arm”.
In providing context, Le Seuer stated that in winter months the pool temperature drops well below any level that would be called normal – around 12 ºC or lower than the required 24 ºC – and forces swimmers out of the pool.
The conditions at the pool impact both Le Seuer and the club financially.
To add further frustration, Aqua Sharks Academy members are compelled to travel to other swimming pools, including the Stellenbosch facility to get in some needed practise.
Patricia van der Ross, Mayco member for community services and health, previously confirmed that they are aware of the problem, and while similar issues are being experienced at other pools, resolving the matter will be prioritised and details provided once they are finalised.
Following the glimmer of hope offered by Van der Ross, Le Seuer, however, confirmed the situation at Strand Municipal Swimming Pool remained unchanged after numerous months.
“Currently, we are training in Stellenbosch, at Bloemhof Girls High, which has a temporary enclosed pool,” Le Seuer said.
“We also train in Somerset West in an outdoor pool. But we still can’t train locally.”
Despite the inconvenience, which allegedly has the academy forking out additional funds, it seems a solution to their problem is not forthcoming as soon as they had hoped.
“After extensive assessment, it has been determined that the heating units at indoor swimming pools across the metropole have aged infrastructure requiring extensive repair or complete replacement,” Van der Ross said.
“The recreation and parks department is currently in the process of putting a procurement mechanism in place that ensures long-term value and sustainability.”
She confirmed, based on the outcome of the assessment, a repairs and maintenance programme for all swimming pools is being developed to address the issues identified.
“This will include repairs at some facilities, and full replacement of heating systems at others. Implementation of the programme is to start during the first half of this new 2022-’23 financial year.”
